Hunting and Use of Wildlife Species in the Semi-Arid Region of Brazil

This article investigates the socio-cultural and ecological aspects associated with the hunting of wild animals by the inhabitants of the Cruz village, State of Alagoas. The data was obtained through semi-structured interviews and informal conversations. A total of 23 species was indicated as a game, with mammals being preferred by the population. Among the techniques of capture, the hunting of persecution with dog and hunting with a shotgun stands out, in addition to the shuttlecock, used to reach the birds with small stones. Four forms of animal use were recorded: food, medicine, pets, and control. Despite being indicated as one of the main causes of the reduction of wildlife, hunting is strongly related to the socio-cultural aspects of the Brazilian semi-arid populations. Thus, proposals for the management of wildlife resources in traditional communities must take into account the needs of these populations.